Editor’s Note:

Texas and Louisiana landed fairly near the top of a recently released list of the 15 deadliest states/U.S. territories when it comes to impaired driving. And, the two states are among the 13 that have the dubious distinction of making the list two years in a row.

According to a physician-led traffic safety advocacy group, End Needless Death on Our Roadways (END), and the National Safety Council the Fatal Fifteen, in which 41 percent or more of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related, ranked in order are: Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, Montana, Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Illinois, Maryland, South Carolina, Washington, South Dakota, Connecticut, Oregon, Massachusetts, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. Six additional states-Arkansas, North Dakota, California, Missouri, New York and New Mexico-are nearing the Fatal Fifteen threshold and were placed on a watch list.

Notice that three out of the four states covered by Insurance Journal – Texas/South Central are either on the Fatal Fifteen list or very nearly on it. Come on, we can do better than that!

Last year, the END announcement said, nearly 17,000 motorists were killed nationwide in alcohol-related traffic crashes. Almost 6,000 of those fatalities occurred in the Fatal Fifteen states. Additionally, over 2,000 teens between the ages of 16 and 21 were killed last year in alcohol-related crashes nationwide.

Englewood, Colo.-based InsureMe, which links agents nationwide with consumers shopping for insurance, pointed out in a recent bulletin that in the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more alcohol-impaired drivers get behind the wheel than at any other time of year. So with the winter holiday season upon us, it’s a good time consider the statistics. Company parties, family get-togethers and gathering with friends provide ample opportunities to celebrate, count our blessings and let off steam. It’s great to be jolly, but it’s even better to be bright, so let’s eat, drink and be merry-and play it safe.

InsureMe recommended a list of common sense precautions for holiday revelers to keep in mind when they celebrate:

• Designate a non-drinking driver beforehand, if possible.

• Give the party host your car keys to reduce your chances of driving under the influence.

• If you don’t have a designated driver, arrange for a sober friend or family member to pick you up-or call for a taxi.

• Check out free alternative transportation offered during the holiday season.

• If all else fails, arrange to spend the night at your host’s home. Most would rather you camp on their couch or floor than take unnecessary chances.

In the meantime, here’s hoping that after the trials and tribulations of the passing year, each one of us is able to find joy and peace during this holiday season.